An Austrian company is aiming to build the world’s longest gondola in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean island of Dominica.
Austrian ropeways and people mover manufacturer Doppelmayr Group will build a 6.6-kilometre-long (4.1 mi) gondola at Boiling Lake located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica by 2024.
The lake – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – spreads across 200 to 250 feet (60 to 75 m), thus representing the second-largest hot spring in the world after Frying Pan Lake, located in Waimangu Valley near the city of Rotorua, New Zealand.
Located about 10.5 kilometres (6.5 mi) east of Dominica’s largest city and capital Roseau, Boiling Lake can currently only be reached through a seven-hour hike up and down.
Hence, the Wolfurt-headquartered company’s project should aid the Caribbean country in its economical and ecological sustainable development by making the lake readily accessible for day-trippers.
(@Doppelmayr/Newsflash)
Ropeway engineers at Doppelmayr are currently working on the technology for the groundbreaking installation, after they were contracted by ABL Holdings LTD.
Doppelmayr Group told Newsflash: “Dominica is therefore keen to pursue a policy of sustainable tourism that enriches the life of its citizens by creating economic, social and cultural opportunities and protects the country’s natural resources as well as its nature and culture.
“Environmentally friendly transport to Boiling Lake will in future be provided by a 6.6-kilometer-long, 10-passenger detachable gondola – it is set to become the world’s longest continuous-movement monocable ropeway and will feature Doppelmayr’s D-Line ropeway generation.
“This installation will give visitors a fast, reliable and comfortable means of accessing the national park in less than 20 minutes.”
Hospitality and shopping facilities focusing on the Caribbean island’s distinctive local features will be incorporated in the bottom station, according to Doppelmayr.
In addition, the area surrounding the top station will consist of a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, a viewing platform, and a six-metre statue of Dominica’s national symbol – the sisserou parrot also known as the imperial amazon – will be placed at the highest point.
Furthermore, a pathway leading from the top station will enable visitors to reach the impressive Boiling Lake in a matter of minutes.
(@Doppelmayr/Newsflash)
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Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
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